Hoyer Praises Subcommittee Passage of Pay Parity for Civilian Federal Employees

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) applauded action today by the House Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee to approve a 3.9 percent pay adjustment for federal civilian employees for FY09. The rate of adjustment matches what the House authorized for members of the military in the 2008 Defense Authorization bill, which passed in May. As he has done in previous years, Rep. Hoyer led the effort by the Washington-area delegation in advocating on behalf of federal employee pay parity.

"The United States government is fortunate to have one of the best federal workforces in the world," stated Rep. Hoyer. "One of the most effective ways to recognize the important contributions of our federal employees - and also increase the attractiveness of a career in public service - is through pay that reflects the value of the work and services they provide this nation and its citizens."

Since the passage of the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act - a law designed to bring federal salaries in line with the private sector - Presidential Administrations have consistently failed to fully implement the recommended salary adjustments. This year, the President proposed a 2.9 percent increase for civilian workers - 0.5 percent lower than the 3.4 percent proposal for military personnel. Every year, Rep. Hoyer has fought for pay parity to ensure a fair adjustment for all sectors of the federal workforce.

"During a time of war our country depends on the brave men and women of our armed forces and the civilian federal employees working by their side to protect our nation's liberty," said Rep. Hoyer. "Offering a fair pay rate for military and civilian federal employees is an important way to reward these hard-working individuals who make such invaluable contributions to the growth, prosperity and protection of this nation."

Since the start of the year, Rep. Hoyer has worked closely with the Washington-area delegation and House Appropriations Committee leaders to advocate for a fair and equal pay increase for all federal employees. The Financial Services Appropriations bill, with the 3.9 percent adjustment for federal civilian employees, is scheduled to next be considered by the full Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, June 24.